Rework Solar backpack to make it charge smartphones, not only CBMs

[utechenko-v]

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.

Solar backpack doesn’t do any big harm now. People say it is a bit outdated game item, but there are no any severe reasons to remove it right now. It doesn’t break the lore, but it is somewhat odd - a pre-cataclysm item which in fact can be used only with exodii CBM technology.

With recent CBM lore changes it would be better to rework it. Solar backpack currently can be used in 2 ways: one is to charge CBMs via jumper cable and cable charger system CBM, another is disassembling to get solar panel for vehicle or appliance. Solar backpack seems to be pre-cataclysm item (and we even have some such things IRL), so there must be some other uses except CBM or disassembling. First thing that come to mind is phone recharging. (or battery, there was an issue #35564).

Solution you would like.

Possible implementation options:

• a) add a “pocket” - magazine option, make it like hand-crank charger. But instead of “crank” action, it should charge the battery while character stays in the sun.

• b) add an option to connect Solar backpack to UPS via jumper cable (currently it’s impossible), so that UPS can be charged.

• c) add a special item, UPS-compatible convertor, which can be connected to a Solar backpack via jumper cable (or even directly) and work like a UPS, charging smartphones when a backpack has enough light (the downside is probably high implementation complexity). Item has not enough power to keep smth like thermal electric outfit working, but will be able to slowly charge turned off UPS-compatible devices with batteries, like smartphones.

• d) similar to “c” option, but without redundant connections - just make a Solar backpack work like UPS, i.e. add corresponding conde and make a description like “this backpack has a UPS-compatible charger”. Though this may require backpack actions rework, and maybe new item should be added, so there will be “Solar backpack (on)” item for the one with UPS charger switched on, and 2 additional actions - “turn on UPS charger” and “turn off UPS charger”, to keep “off” version work with CBMs as usual.

Describe alternatives you have considered.

• remove original Solar backpack, and replace it by adding a new Solar backpack-inspired item, like solar phone charger. Such items are rare IRL, but more popular than Solar backpacks. These things are smaller. Possible implementation options:

• • a) make it low-power appliance, something like a combination of “solar panel + foot locker recharging station”, but with less power; Maybe it is even worth to make it unable to connect with other appliances.
• • b) similar to option “a”, but make “unfolded” solar phone charger a furniture instead of an appliance (not sure if it’s easier or not).
• • c) make it work like a regular item (this is probably hard). Like, if a “solar phone charger” item is on a tile that is properly lighted, and it has a smartphone it its pocket, then it should charge the smartphone.
• • c) make “solar phone charger” a wearable item, rather “a solar array box” - basically the same as a Solar backpack, but without ability to charge CBM? But it doesn’t make much sense.

• remove Solar backpack completely (I don't like this option)

• make Solar backpack exodii technology, remove it from all spawn lists (I don't like this option too)

Additional context

Related Solar backpack issues:

• Solar Backpack Lacks "Integrated Cable"
• More ways to recharge batteries/electronic devices
• Mini/carryable charging options?

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